NBA Mock Draft 2.0

(Photo by Joe Murphy/Getty Images)

It’s less than 24 hours until the NBA Draft, and I’m feverishly putting together a mock-up of what will surely be one of the most intriguing drafts in years.

There's (relatively) no certainty after the Clippers select Blake Griffin with the No.1 overall pick; no player is a lock to go to any team, and no team is a lock to select a player that they will sign.

For that matter, it’s quite possible a number of teams will trade away their pick for a veteran player or future pick. That being said, I feel the analysis below is as good as you’ll see so close to the NBA’s main offseason event.

So, to borrow a NASCAR term, “gentleman, start your engines” and let’s rock and roll!

Player Recap: Griffin is a no-brainer as the No.1 overall pick.

He’s a versatile big man with excellent athletic ability who can put the ball on the floor and finish with both hands around the basket. He also has a great motor, as evidenced by his high volume rebounding prowess and ability to run the floor.

He doesn’t possess a consistent jump shot, but has good mechanics. Griffin needs to work on his defensive skills, but has all the tools to be effective on the next level.

Team Impact: It’s no secret that Griffin is the Clippers guy here at No.1. Blake’s presence with "the other LA team" creates a rather intriguing front line rotation with Marcus Camby, Zach Randolph and Chris Kaman.

If, like last season, the Clips get nicked up by the injury bug, they’ll need all the help they can get on the front line—or they can use the flexibility up front to swing a trade to get help in other areas of need.

Player Recap: Rubio, voted the best Euro young player in 2007, is the prototypical pick-and-roll PG, and probably the second best prospect after Griffin.

The 18-year old Spanish phenom has excellent ball-handling skills, and is equally gifted with both hands (thanks in part to a wrist injury to his right/strong hand). He isn’t particularly fast, but has great burst and is adept at using change of speed to beat defenders.

He has terrific court vision and anticipation, which are assets both in the transition and in half court situations. At one point, Rubio led the ACB Euro League in assists per 40 min/gm at a staggering 11.5.

He must develop a consistent jump shot, and his physique —which should happen naturally as he matures.

Team Impact: The buzz around the NBA is that there are a number of teams looking to move up to the No.2 spot in order to draft Rubio, so don’t be surprised if the Griz make the young Spanish PG the pick here and quickly trade him for multiple pieces to compliment a young core that includes OJ Mayo, Rudy Gay and Mike Conley Jr.

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